Grayson, KY: Junior center Jake Allen tossed in a game high 21 points to lead the visiting Alice Lloyd Eagles to an 80-71 season-opening victory over the Kentucky Christian Knights.
In the first half, the young Eagles were tight as they only connected on 37.5% from the floor. Still, the game was close throughout before the Eagles took a 35-33 lead into the locker room at intermission.
In the second half, the visitors settled down and started to find their range. They maintained a cushion the entire way and took their largest lead (10) with 7:06 remaining following a bucket from Allen. ALC then held on for the nice victory.
For the victors (1-0), Allen led all scorers with a career-high 21 points, connecting on 8-15 field goals and 5-8 free throws. He also added a game-high 8 rebounds.
However, Allen was not a one-man show as four other Eagles also reached double-digits. Freshman guard Blake Smith was impressive in his college debut as he pumped in 16 points. He stuffed the stat sheet as he added 4 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 blocks, and 2 assists. Junior guard Austin Crisp was steady as he swished in 13 points and added 4 rebounds.
Sophomore guard Ryan House added 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals while sophomore Sean Ross contributed 10 points.
The Knights (0-1) were led by Matthew Lee with 21 points.
For the game, Alice Lloyd shot 44.8% from the field (30-67) but missed all 10 long range shots. They also sank 64.5% (20-31) of their free throws.
KCU shot 39.3% from the floor and 31.8 % (7-22) from long range. They hit 76% (16-21) from the charity line.
The Eagles won two other important areas. They out-rebounded their foes 41-39 and had 12 steals to the Knights 6.
Alice Lloyd returns to play on Thursday as they travel to Milligan College to face the Buffaloes.
Tip-off is set for 8:00 PM.